14 rebels eliminated in security operations

KABUL): At least 14 militants have been killed during separate security incidents in different parts of the country over the past 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.

Four fighters were killed and three others wounded during an overnight operation in the Shindand district of western Herat province, the 207^th Zafar Military Corps spokesman said.

Col Najibullah Najibi told Pajhwok Afghan News Security forces and civilians suffered no casualties in the operation.

But a resident of the Zerkoh area of the district alleged two civilians were also killed and four others injured in the overnight clash.

An official, who did not want to be named, also confirmed the civilian casualties. However, he refused to give further details.

According to another report, five guerrillas were eliminated and two others wounded during an offensive in the Kamdesh district of eastern Nuristan province.

The 201st Selab Corps spokesman, Col Noman Hatifi, confirmed Taliban casualties and said the ongoing operation was launched on Saturday. Some weapons and ammunition were also seized.

Elsewhere, five insurgents were killed during a clash with Afghan Local Police (ALP) members in the Greshk district of southern Helmand province.

The firefight took place when militants stormed ALP posts, deputy police chief, Col Ismail Hotak said. The Taliban have not yet commented on the incidents.

mds/mud